Anyone do Bookkeeping or accounts assistant

[sparkle789]

I’m thinking of going back to college to do aat certificate in accounting. I’ve been looking at jobs available in my area to give me an idea of wages. I’ve noticed that all want experience of 2-3 years. Is this normal? I don’t want to put al the time and money into training and getting the qualification of I’m not going to be able to get a job at the end of it.

I havent got qualifications but got 35 years plus work experience inc. insurance technical accounts and financial accounts, worked in 4 different industries, even got an interview at Buckingham palace last year. None really seemed that interested in AAT, but then i never really wanted to climb career ladder. Im an assistant accountant in a NFP organisation now
The only issue ive had recently job hunting is i only wanted p/t and i got agencies contacting me with full time jobs so i wasnt interested. I am in london which probably helps.

What will you be doing while you are studying, because AAT is usually done while you are working.

Like pp I have no formal qualifications but have over 20 years work experience. Lack of qualifications have never been an issue when I've applied for jobs (started as a lowly accounts assistant at 17) as the experience is what they need & in my last role I was solely responsible for getting the company accounts ready for submission.

I've moved away from bookkeeping in my current role & do more personal financial management for clients.

We do have 1 qualified accountant & then there are 2 bookkeepers who are currently doing their AAT qualifications but they're just starting out in the role & will gain the experience while getting the qualifications.

I was planning on studying around my current job and then by time I’ve qualified I’d be in a position to work more hours and get a job in bookkeeping or accounts.
I didn’t realise most people do the course while in the role. May have to have a re-think.

I’m currently doing my ATI (Irish equivalent). Check fully the course details with mine there is 2 year course but to qualify you need to submit a portfolio of work based assessments eg a bank rec so need to have a job in the industry to get these signed off by a qualified accountant.
As I say not sure if AAT is the same

I did my aat whilst working in an Accountants. I got most of these jobs by just writing to all firms with cv as did most of the people I've worked with.